SHIH-FU:

Base your decisions and judgments on the teachings of Buddhadharma. If you are not sure whether something is right or wrong or good or bad, then try to determine if it accords with Buddhist teachings and precepts. If it is, then go ahead and do it. If it does not, refrain from doing it. Use Buddhist teachings as a guideline. Second, use society's laws, ethics, morals and customs as a guideline. If your intentions accord with society's standard, then you're probably not off track. Use common sense. You can also ask your Dharma teacher for advice.

Be aware of your changing mental and physical conditions. See how they affect your thoughts, words and actions. Usually, if we are unhealthy or physically hurt, we will be in a bad mood. The whole world looks ugly when you are in a bad frame of mind. During these times everything and everyone seems to be lacking. It is easy for anger and hatred to arise. Despite this, from moment to moment, and with everyone, try to give rise to feelings of gratitude.

Greedy people are usually unaware of their own greed. The same is true for people filled with anger, arrogance or pride. But, sooner or later, practitioners will recognize that they have been greedy, angry or arrogant. At that time, they should practice repentance. If you can do this every time, you will recognize that these feelings, these non-virtuous mental states, arise less and less.